December 2010

Plan Your Visit

Hobby Center 101

Welcome to the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. We hope this information will help you make the most of your experience at the Hobby Center.

Arriving at the Hobby Center

Please allow plenty of time to park, order intermission drinks and purchase merchandise and souvenirs. We recommend that you arrive no later than 45 minutes before curtain. All theatre lobbies open 90 minutes before the show, and seating typically begins 30 minutes before the curtain.

Parking Options

Garage – Our on-site parking garage is located immediately adjacent to our complex and is accessible from both Rusk and Walker Streets. Parking in the garage is $15 per car.

Valet – Valet parking is available in our circle drive off Bagby Street. The current cost is $25.

PLEASE NOTE: Valet and Hobby Center garage parking is subject to availability. Large attendance at various performances may create high demand limiting access, and resulting in the closing of valet and/or self-parking prior to the start time of a performance.
Overflow Parking is available in Theater District Parking Garages with entrances on both Rusk and Capitol Streets, when necessary.

For a detailed map of available parking at and around the Hobby Center, Click Here.

Security Check

For your safety and security, all bags are subject to inspection before entering the theater. Please allow extra time prior to your performance. Over-sized bags, luggage and backpacks may not be permitted inside the venue.

Walkthrough metal detectors are also used as part of this security check.

Ticketing Policies

All patrons regardless of age must have a ticket. This includes infants and small children. For more ticketing information, including cautions regarding purchasing tickets from ticket brokers, Click Here.

Photography

Photographing or recording of any and all performances is strictly prohibited. The policies for photos, including selfies, in the audience chamber before shows, during intermissions, and after shows vary and are dictated by the individual productions.

Accessibility

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is deeply committed to providing an enjoyable theatre-going experience for all patrons. This includes making its facility and performances accessible to all. For more information about services offered, click here or contact us at access@thehobbycenter.org or 713.315.2412.

Dress

Going to the theater is a festive and fun event so choose appropriate but comfortable attire. Formal wear is not required. Attire generally ranges from business casual to cocktail dresses and suits. Guests may wish to bring a light sweater or wrap to be comfortable in the air conditioning.

ATM

An ATM is located in our ticket lobby, just inside the main doors.

Food

Choose from a variety of options:

Diana American Grill: The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is raising the curtain on its show-stopping new signature restaurant – Diana American Grill – a classic Theater District restaurant that draws on the long heritage of the grill rooms found in close proximity to great theaters. Named for Diana Hobby – who impacted the Houston community in countless ways and played an instrumental role in the creation of the performing arts center – the restaurant name serves to honor, acknowledge and extend her legacy of grace and generosity.

Grand Lobby Bistro: Offers a lighter fare of salad, pasta, Panini bars, full plated entrées and decadent desserts. A full bar offers an assortment of beverages including wine and cocktails.

Concession Stands: Located throughout the theatre, concessions stands are open 90 minutes prior to performance and during intermission and offer an assortment of candies, snacks and beverages, including wine and cocktails.

Public Transportation

Metro Bus
Let Houston Metro plan your trip to the Hobby Center. Simply visit Houston Metro's Trip Planner website to find the fastest and most convenient route – no matter where you are. Find the Hobby Center listed as an entertainment landmark in the Metro Trip Planner, select your own starting point and you'll find the easiest way to get to the show.

Taxis
Houston offers a number of taxi services that will gladly bring you to and from the Hobby Center, no matter where you are in the greater Houston area. You can reserve a taxi 24 hours in advance or look for one of our Floor Captains, identified by their blue jackets, to assist you with calling for a taxi at the end of the show.
Yellow Cab: 713.236.1111 or www.houstonyellowcab.com
Liberty Cab: 713.695.6700
United Cab: 713.699.0000

Length of Performances

Most shows last between 2 ½ hours and 3 hours. See individual show listings for more information.

Tickets Held at Will Call

You may pick up tickets held in your name with photo I.D. at the Box Office in the lobby of the Hobby Center 90 minutes before the show.

Merchandise and Souvenirs

The Encore store offers mementos of your visit to the Hobby Center.

Merchandise for each touring show is generally available in the Grand Lobby area.

Complimentary Playbills are distributed for most performances.

Souvenir programs, along with other assorted merchandise for each show, are available for purchase in the Grand Lobby of the Hobby Center during performances.

If You Need Help

Floor Captains, identified by their blue jackets, and Hobby Center volunteers are available to provide any help you may need.

Members of the Hobby Center's Access Team are available to assist patrons with mobility needs. Look for their bright yellow polo shirts.

Paramedics are on site for all public, ticketed events. Please see a volunteer or any staff member for assistance.

The Box Office is open through intermission so you may purchase tickets to other performances.

In an emergency, family members or friends may reach you by calling 713.315.2444. We will try to get an emergency message to their family member/friend. It is helpful if we can get their seat location.